What is
Sensory Integration?
Sensory Integration (SI) is a term used to describe how
our bodies absorb, integrate, and output information
given to us from our environment.
One needs to appropriately be able to interpret and
output specific information from each of our seven
sensory systems:
Vestibular (body awareness)
Proprioceptive (body awareness)
Visual (see)
Tactile (touch)
Olfactory (smell)
Auditory (listen/hear)
Gustatory (taste)
It is important to recognize that ones individual
sensory systems need to be working to their fullest
before being able to integrate with other senses. The
ability to integrate this information in the brain
allows for body organization and regulation, motor
planning, and academic learning.
Many of us we have learned to use the information given
to us through our senses effortlessly and
subconsciously. As a result we are able to explore and
understand our world. On the other hand for those of us
whom have difficulties processing our sensory systems
this can make everyday tasks such as playing, attending,
'listening', handwriting, physical activities, sitting
in a classroom, and learning are compromised and
therefore require more attention and assistance. One
needs these underlying neuronal connections for
multi-step processing and higher academic learning.
Sensory Integration is based off of the works of Dr.
Jean Ayers, Occupational Therapist, who was passionate
for understanding how sensory processing and motor
planning disorders interfere with daily life function
and learning.
Taking SI one
step further..........
The ability for one to regulate and process information
their body is receiving from their environment, is the
foundation for two-way-communication and social play.
Having a child to be able to first regulate his/her own
body prior to being able to climb the relationship based
developmental ladder is important and offers one the
ability to not only relate to ourselves but to those
around us.
|
